51 pounds of pot found hidden in ‘tea’ bags

A Missouri Highway Patrol trooper found 51 pounds of marijuana hidden in bags labeled “tea” during a traffic stop this week. The trooper stopped the driver of a 2012 Toyota Tacoma for traffic violations on Wednesday along eastbound Interstate 70 north of Sedalia.

A Missouri Highway Patrol trooper found 51 pounds of marijuana hidden in bags labeled “tea” during a traffic stop this week.

The trooper stopped the driver of a 2012 Toyota Tacoma for traffic violations on Wednesday along eastbound Interstate 70 near Mile Marker 77 in Saline County, which is north of Sedalia.

After observing inconsistencies and deceptive behavior of the driver, the trooper asked for permission to search the truck, which the driver granted. After searching the truck, the trooper found the marijuana hidden in commercially produced bags labeled “tea” inside five cardboard boxes in the cargo area of the truck.

Ken Cheng, 61, of Orlando, Fla., has been charged in Saline County Circuit Court with second-degree drug trafficking.